The efficacy and safety of MARS-PD: Meridian activation remedy system for Parkinson's disease-A single-center, assessor and statistician-blinded, parallel-group randomized, controlled trial protocol.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) patients face a substantial unmet need for disease-modifying interventions. Potential approaches such as exercise and acupuncture have been investigated to slow PD progression. To address this unmet need, we developed a novel therapeutic approach that integrates acupuncture and exercise: the Meridian Activation Remedy System for PD patients (MARS-PD). Building upon promising outcomes observed in our preliminary pilot study, where MARS-PD exhibited a large clinically important difference on the Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III (MDS-UPDRS Part III), we embark on a randomized controlled trial with the primary objective of examining the efficacy, safety, and economic impact of MARS-PD. METHODS: In this single-center, assessor and statistician-blinded, parallel-group randomized controlled trial, we aim to investigate the clinical efficacy of MARS-PD through 16 interventions administered over 8 weeks in 88 PD patients. Participants will be randomly assigned to the experimental (n = 44) or control (n = 44) groups. The experimental group will receive MARS-PD intervention alongside standard care, while the control group will solely receive standard care. The intervention period spans 8 weeks, followed by a 12-week post-intervention follow-up. The primary endpoint is the change in MDS-UPDRS Part III score from baseline to the conclusion of the 8-week intervention. Secondary outcomes encompass various assessments, including MDS-UPDRS, International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form, Parkinson Self Questionnaire, Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale, Timed Up and Go test, GAITRite metrics, Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy measurements, smart band outcomes, gut microbiome analysis results, and iris connective tissue texture. DISCUSSION: Previous studies by the authors have indicated MARS-PD's safety and benefits for PD patients. Building upon this foundation, our current study aims to provide a more comprehensive and detailed confirmation of the efficacy of MARS-PD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: cris.nih.go.kr KCT0006646 -First posted on 7 October 2021; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05621772 -First posted on 11 November 2022.

Treatment ideas of acupuncture and moxibustion for adenomyosis based on "etiology, location, nature and development of disease". / 基于"ç— å› ã€ç— ä½ã€ç— æ€§ã€ç— åŠ¿"æµ æžå­å®«è ºè‚Œç—‡çš„é’ˆç¸æ²»ç–—æ€è·¯.

Focusing on the syndrome/pattern differentiation to determine treatment, the approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of acupuncture and moxibustion for adenomyosis are explored by identifying the etiology, location, nature and development of disease. The syndromes/patterns of adenomyosis are differentiated in view of both zangfu and meridian theories. The treatment is delivered complying with the menstrual cycle and the basic rule of treatment, "treating the symptoms in the acute stage, while the root causes in the recovery stage". During menstrual period, stopping pain and eliminating stasis are dominant; while during the other days of menstrual cycle, regulating zangfu dysfunction (excess or deficiency) is emphasized. In general, the functions of the thoroughfare vessel and the conception vessel should be specially considered and adjusted, and the principles of treatment include strengthening the spleen, regulating the kidney and soothing the liver. Acupoints are selected mainly from the spleen meridian of foot-taiyin, the kidney meridian of foot-shaoyin and the conception vessel. Ciliao (BL 32), Shiqizhui (EX-B 8), Zigong (EX-CA 1), Diji (SP 8) and four-gate points (bilateral Hegu [LI 4] and Taichong [LR 3]) are used in menstrual period; Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Taixi (KI 3) in postmenstrual phase; Guanyuan (CV 4), Luanchao (Ovary, Extra) and Qihai (CV 6) in intermenstrual phase; while, Guanyuan (CV 4), Qihai (CV 6) and Shenque (CV 8), combined with Gongsun (SP 4), Neiguan (PC 6) and Jianshi (PC 5) in premenstrual phase. According to the dynamic development of patient's conditions, the reinforcing or reducing techniques of acupuncture and moxibustion are feasibly applied in treatment of adenomyosis.

Exploration of the body from the perspective of acupuncturists: based on the classification of body terms in Huangdi Neijing. / 针灸师视野中的身体.

There is a rich record on body terms in Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic). The authors classify them into 4 dimensions, including "structure of human body", "constant concern of human body", "symptoms" of disease and "sites" of acupuncture, which corresponds to anatomy, physiology, pathology (including diagnosis) and treatment from the perspective of acupuncture. It is based on the knowledge described by these 4 categories of body terms, acupuncturists recognize the body in treatment. Through the correlation among these terms, the acupuncturists understand acupuncture as a therapeutic technique delivered to "the site of needling" under the guidance of ancient anatomy, physiology and pathology.

Effectiveness of acupuncture in the governor vessel and Yangming meridian for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Acupuncture of the governor vessel and Yangming meridian are widely used in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, the optimal meridian for acupuncture in the treatment of AIS remains uncertain. PURPOSE: This network meta-analysis study aimed to compare the clinical effectiveness of acupuncture at governor vessel and Yangming meridian in the treatment of AIS. METHODS: All relevant studies published in CNKI, WANFANG, VIP, Sinomed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Pub Med, and Embase before January 13, 2024 were systematically retrieved. The two researchers independently screened the studies and extracted the data. Cochrane ROB tool was used to evaluate the quality of the studies, and Stata 14.0 software was used to conduct a network meta-analysis of neurological deficit score, activities of daily living (ADL), clinical effective rate and Fugl-meyer motor function evaluation (FMA). RESULTS: A total of 401 studies were obtained, and 17 studies met the inclusion criteria. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) values of the four outcome indexes were all ranked by "Governor vessel acupuncture + Conventional neurology treatment(GVAc+CT) > Yangming meridian acupuncture + Conventional neurology treatment(YMAc+CT) > Conventional neurology treatment (CT)". Compared to YMAc+CT and CT, GVAc+CT had the best effect in reducing the degree of neurological deficit score (SMD = -0.72, 95%CI = [-1.22,-0.21] and SMD = -1.07,95%CI = [-1.45,-0.69], respectively) and promoting the recovery of ADL((SMD = 0.59,95%CI = [0.31,0.88] and SMD = 0.96,95%CI = [0.70,1.21], respectively). Compared to CT, GVAc+CT also had a better clinical effective rate in the treatment of AIS (RR = 1.14,95%CI = [1.04,1.25]). CONCLUSIONS: Governor vessel acupuncture combined with conventional neurology treatment has the best effect in reducing the degree of neurological deficit score and promoting the recovery of ADL in AIS patientscompared to YMAc+CT and CT. Governor Vessel acupuncture is the most preferable acupoint scheme for clinical acupuncture treatment of AIS.

Effectiveness and Safety of Meridian Activation Remedy System for Alleviating Motor Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease: an Observational Study.

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) lacks disease-modifying drugs or sustainable interventions, creating an unmet treatment need. Investigating complementary and alternative medicines aims to improve PD patients' quality of life by alleviating symptoms and delaying the course of the disease. Objectives: In this single-center, prospective, observational, single-arm study, we aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture combined with exercise therapy and the Meridian Activation Remedy System (MARS). Methods: From March to October 2021, 13 PD patients with Hoehn and Yahr stages 1 to 3 were recruited. For 8 weeks, MARS intervention was carried out twice a week. T-statistics were used to evaluate functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and GAITRite outcomes. All of the remaining outcome variables were evaluated using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: The MARS intervention significantly reduced PD patients' Movement Disorder Society-Sponsored Revision of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDSUPDRS) Part III score (from 20.0 ± 11.8 to 8.8 ± 5.5, p = 0.003), 10-meter walk test speed (from 9.5 ± 1.8 to 8.7 ± 1.3 seconds, p = 0.040), and timed up and go time (from 9.8 ± 1.8 to 8.9 ± 1.4 seconds, p = 0.040). Moreover, the MDS-UPDRS Part II, fNIRS hemodynamics, 360-degree turn test, fall efficacy scale, and Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire 39 scores improved but not significantly. All participants completed the 8-week intervention without any adverse reactions. Conclusion: An 8-week MARS intervention improved motor symptoms in PD patients. In particular, improvements in UPDRS Part III scores exhibited large clinically important differences. The findings are encouraging, and a randomized controlled trial will be conducted to determine the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of MARS intervention.

Brief discussion of the differences in the acupoint location between Meridians and Acupoints and Acupuncture and Moxibustion. / æµ è®®ã€Šç»ç»œè §ç©´å­¦ã€‹å’Œã€Šé’ˆç¸å­¦ã€‹"十四五"规划教材经穴定位差异.

There are the differences in the location of some acupoints between textbooks Meridians and Acupoints and Acupuncture and Moxibustion. Both of the textbooks are in the category of the "14th Five-Year Plan". The differences in acupoint location have brought some confusion for students, full-time teachers and researchers in the field of traditional Chinese medicine. In the paper, based on GB/T 12346-2021： Nomenclature and Location of Meridian Points, published in2021, and in reference with GB/T 12346-2006： Nomenclature and Location of Acupuncture Points, published in 2006, the discrepancy in the acupoint location was systematically collated in the aspects of the expression style and layout, text expression and potential difference of location between these two textbooks, published by China Press of Traditional Chinese Medicine, People's Medical Publishing House and China Science Publishing. Based on the historical evolution and the academic controversy of acupoint positioning, the reasons of the differences in acupoint location were analyzed, the potential influences on the teaching, examination, competition and research of Chinese medicine acupuncture were explored, and the suggestions for solution were proposed.

Analysis on acupoint selection rules in the treatment of metabolism-associated fatty liver disease based on data mining. / åŸºäºŽæ•°æ®æŒ–æŽ˜æŠ€æœ¯åˆ†æžé’ˆç¸æ²»ç–—ä»£è°¢ç›¸å ³è„‚è‚ªæ€§è‚ç— çš„é€‰ç©´è§„å¾‹.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the rules of acupoint selection in the treatment of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) with acupuncture and moxibustion by using data mining technology. METHODS: The clinical research literature on acupuncture treatment of MAFLD was collected from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, VIP Database and China Biology Medicine from their inception to November 20, 2022. According to our inclusion and exclusion criteria, the literature was independently screened and re-screened by two research members, and the screened results were checked, followed by establishing an acupoint prescription database using Excel 2019. Descriptive statistics of acupoints applied frequency, involved meridians, locations and specific acupoints were perpormed. Then, SPSS Modeler18.0 software was used to conduct analysis about association rules, and the SPSS Statistics 26.0 software was used to perform cluster analysis on high-frequency acupoints, exploring the characteristics and rules of acupoint selection and combination in the treatment of MAFLD. RESULTS: Totally, 178 papers were collected, containing 130 acupoints, with a total application frequency of 1 305. The top five acupoints are Zusanli (ST36), Fenglong (ST40), Ganshu (BL18), Taichong (LR3) and Sanyinjiao (SP6). The commonly involved meridians are the Stomach Meridian of Foot Yangming, Bladder Meridian of Foot Taiyang, and Spleen Meridian of Foot Taiyin. The employed acupoints are mostly located in the lower limbs and abdomen, and the five Shu acupoints and crossing acupoints are in the majority. The association rule analysis of high frequency acupoints indicated that of the 16 qualified acupoint groups, the top 5 with close correlation degrees are ST36 and ST40, ST36 and LR3, ST36 and SP6, ST40 and LR3 and ST36, ST36 and SP6 and ST40. Further, 3 effective clusters were obtained by cluster analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of MAFLD follows the therapeutic principles of soothing the liver, invigorating the spleen, tonifying the kidney, and resolving phlegm and removing dampness. The core acupoint group is ST36, ST40 and LR3, and the combination of acupoints is based on syndrome differentiation. These results may provide a useful reference for clinical practice.

Investigating acupoint selection and combinations of acupuncture for primary idiopathic tinnitus using data mining.

BACKGROUND: Acupuncture is widely used in the treatment of tinnitus worldwide because of its good efficacy and safety. However, the criteria for selecting acupoint prescriptions and combinations have not been summarized. Therefore, data mining was used herein to determine the treatment principles and the most effective acupoint selection for the treatment of idiopathic tinnitus. METHODS: The clinical research literature of acupuncture in the treatment of idiopathic tinnitus from the establishment of the database to September 1, 2023 in China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Medical Journal Full-text Database, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases was retrieved and extracted. Microsoft Excel 2016 was used to establish the acupoint prescription database and the frequency statistics of acupoints, meridians and specific acupoints were carried out. IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0 software was used for cluster analysis of acupoints, and IBM SPSS Modeler18.0 software was used for association rule analysis of acupoints. RESULTS: A total of 112 articles were included, involving 221 acupuncture prescriptions, including 99 acupoints, with a total frequency of 1786 times. The 5 most frequently used acupoints were Tinggong (SI19), Tinghui (GB2), Yifeng (TE17), Ermen (TE21), and Zhongzhu (TE3). The commonly used meridians were Sanjiao meridian of hand-shaoyang, Gallbladder meridian of foot-shaoyang and Small intestine meridian of hand-taiyang. The specific points are mostly Crossing point, Five-shu point and Yuan-primary point. The core acupoint combination of association rules was Ermen (TE21)-Tinggong (SI19)-Tinghui (GB2)-Yifeng (TE17), and 3 effective clustering groups were obtained by cluster analysis of high-frequency acupoints. CONCLUSION: In this study, the published literature on acupuncture treatment of idiopathic tinnitus was analyzed by data mining, and the relationship between acupoints was explored, which provided a more wise choice for clinical acupuncture treatment of idiopathic tinnitus.

Rules of acupoint selection in treatment of inflammatory bowel disease with acupuncture-moxibustion based on complex network analysis. / åŸºäºŽå¤æ‚ç½‘ç»œåˆ†æžé’ˆç¸æ²»ç–—ç‚Žæ€§è‚ ç— çš„é€‰ç©´è§„å¾‹.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the rules of acupoint selection and compatibility of acupuncture and moxibustion in treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) based on complex network technology and provide the reliable evidences for acupoint selection in treatment of this disease with acupuncture and moxibustion. METHODS: The clinical studies on acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of IBD were searched from the databases including CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed and Embase. The studies were screened and the acupoint prescriptions were extracted to set up the database of acupuncture-moxibustion treatment for IBD. Using Microsoft Excel 2021 software, the use times of acupoint, the use frequency (%) of acupoint, meridian tropism and the use of special point were imported. With SPSS Modeler 18.0 software adopted, the association rules were analyzed on the acupoint prescriptions. The acupoint co-occurrence network diagram, k-core network diagram, and community analysis diagram were drawn by Gephi 0.9.5 software. RESULTS: A total of 156 studies were included, composed of 175 acupoint prescriptions, 75 acupoints, with 1 378 use times in total and around 8 acupoints in one prescription. Regarding the top use frequency, Tianshu (ST25), Zusanli (ST36), Guanyuan (CV4), Zhongwan (CV12) and Pishu (BL20) were listed. The top meridians involved were the foot-yangming stomach meridian, the foot-taiyang bladder meridian and the Conception Vessel. The front-mu point had been used with the highest frequency among the special points. ST36 and ST25 were a pair of points with the highest frequency in treatment. The k-core hierarchical analysis was adopted to optimize acupoint prescriptions, and 22 core acupoints were obtained, i.e. ST25, ST36, CV4, CV12, BL20, Dachangshu (BL25), Shangjuxu (ST37), Shenshu (BL23), Qihai (CV6), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Mingmen (GV4), Xingjian (LR2), Yinlingquan (SP9), Neiting (ST44), Taichong (LR3), Xiajuxu (ST39), Shuifen (CV9), Shenque (CV8), Ganshu (BL18), Weishu (BL21), Hegu (LI4) and Quchi(LI11), which were classified into three core acupoint groups by community analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Through complex network analysis, it is found that the local acupoints on the chest and abdomen are generally selected in treatment with acupuncture-moxibustion for IBD, the combination of the nearby and distal points is considered simulta-neously, and the acupoint prescription is modified according to syndrome/pattern differentiation；and among special points, the front-mu point is widely used in treatment. All of these rules provide the ideas for the acupoint selection of acupuncture-moxibustion in treatment of IBD.

[Longdan Xiegan Decoction and its interpretation from the perspective of meridians].

By systematically examing through Longdan Xiegan Decoction in medical books of the past dynasties, it was found that the Longdan Xiegan Decoction recorded in Lan Shi Mi Cang mainly targeted men's genital odor at frist. After Xue Ji's addition and subtraction, the scope of the prescription was gradually generalized and expanded, and confusion its name, composition and source of the prescription appeared, which was particularly prominent in Jingyue Quanshu and Yifang Jijie.Doctors used to interpret this prescription from the perspective of viscera. In order to better understand the main treatment rules of Longdan Xiegan Decoction, it is necessary to change the perspective and reinterpreted it from the perspective of meridians.Attributing the symptoms of the perineum to Liver Meridian of Foot-Jueyin,hypochondriac pain, deafness and other symptoms to the Gallbladder Meridian of Foot-Shaoyang, and adding or subtracting herbs according to the specific conditions, is not only conducive to a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the prescription to achieve accurate clinical syndrome differentiation and medication, but also prompts modern researchers to rethink the important role of meridian theory in the formation and development of the theoretical system of traditional Chinese medicine.

Professor SUN Shentian's clinical experience in treatment of qiaobi with acupuncture. / 孙申田针灸治疗窍闭临床经验荟萃.

The paper introduces the clinical experience of professor SUN Shentian in treatment of qiaobi (orifice obstruction) with acupuncture. In pathogenesis, qiaobi refers to the obstruction of qi movement and abnormal ascending and descending of qi. "Obstruction of zangfu orifices" is the biao (symptoms), while "obstruction of brain orifice" is ben (root cause) of diseases. In the principle of treatment, bian and ben should be considered simultaneously, and it is proposed to regulating the spirit and unblocking the orifices in treatment. Baihui (GV 20) and the cognitive emotional area on the head are selected for regulating the spirit and opening the brain orifice, focusing on the root cause of diseases. Based on the connection between the symptoms and the cerebral cortical functions, the different points on the head are used, the Siguan points (Hegu [LI 4] and Taichong [LR 3]) and yuan-source points combined, and the acupoint prescription is composed according to the interior-exterior relationship of meridians. With repetitive transcranial acupuncture stimulation at the points on the head, the therapeutic effect is strengthened. It provides a novel approach to treatment of diseases related to qiaobi.

Correlation between jingjin injury and wulao and the relevant prevention and treatment strategies. / 经筋损伤与"五劳"çš„ç›¸å ³æ€§åŠé˜²æ²»ç­–ç•¥.

The paper explores the correlation between jingjin (muscle regions of meridians, sinews/fascia) injury and wulao (five types of exhaustion) and the relevant prevention and treatment strategies, and determines the internal mechanism of the disease so as to provide the ideas for prevention and treatment of jingjin injury. Wulao may result in jingjin injury not only through the damages of blood, qi, muscles, bones and tendons indirectly, but also through the damage of soft tissues directly. The great attention should be paid to preventing from jingjin injury, especially wulao, due to which, the appropriate combination of the static and the dynamic skills is emphasized in the way of physical exercise. When the injury occurred, the conditions of the whole body should be analyzed comprehensively and the local affected regions be concentrated simultaneously in treatment. For the indirect injury, the holistic idea should be the basis of regulating five zang organs and restoring the physiological functions of blood, qi, muscles, bones and sinews so as to adjust jingjin. Regarding the direct injury, the staging regimen for the local treatment is considered to harmonize qi and blood and balance sinews and bones. When the injury has been cured, the physical exercise is recommended to strengthen sinews and bones according to individual conditions to prevent from recurrence.

Acupoint selection rules of acupuncture for Tourette syndrome in children. / 针刺治疗儿童Tourette综合征选穴规律.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the rules of acupoint selection and compatibility of acupuncture for Tourette syndrome(TS) in children. METHODS: The relevant literature regarding acupuncture for Tourette syndrome in children included in CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library from the establishment of the database to March 31st, 2023 was retrieved.The information of acupuncture prescription, syndrome type, meridian affinity was extracted to set up database. The Microsoft Excel 2019 was used for descriptive statistical analysis, SPSS modeler18.0 was for association rule analysis, lantern5.0 was for latent structure analysis and comprehensive clustering. RESULTS: ①A total of 80 literature was included, and 112 acupuncture prescriptions were extracted, involving 104 acupoints, with a cumulative frequency of 859 times.②The acupoints with high use frequency were Taichong(LR 3), Baihui(GV 20), Fengchi(GB 20), Hegu(LI 4), Sishencong(EX-HN 1), Sanyinjiao(SP 6) and Zusanli(ST 36).③In the treatment of TS with acupuncture, the governor vessel acupoints were the most frequently used, the proportion of acupoints on the head, face, neck and lower limbs was higher. ④The association rule analysis showed that Fengchi(GB 20)-Hegu(LI 4) and Taichong(LR 3)-Hegu(LI 4) had the highest support degree, both were 47.32%.⑤Five comprehensive clustering models were obtained by analyzing the latent structure of high-frequency acupoints, corresponding to yin deficiency disturbing wind, liver hyperactivity and spleen deficiency, liver yang transforming into wind, phlegm-heat harassing the interior and qi stagnation transformed fire. CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture for TS in children is based on the principle of soothe the liver and extinguish the wind, regulating qi and blood, and paying attention to regulating spirit and qi. The core acupoints are Fengchi(GB 20), Hegu(LI 4), Taichong(LR 3), Baihui(GV 20), Sanyinjiao(SP 6) , Zusanli(ST 36), acupoints should be selected according to different syndrome in clinical.

Neuroimaging research progress of acupuncture treatment for patients with functional dyspepsia. / é’ˆåˆºæ²»ç–—åŠŸèƒ½æ€§æ¶ˆåŒ–ä¸è‰¯çš„ç¥žç»å½±åƒå­¦ç ”ç©¶è¿›å±•.

Neuroimaging technology provides objective and visualized research tool to study the mechanisms of acupuncture effects. Building on a systematic review of previous clinical studies on acupuncture treatment for functional dyspepsia using neuroimaging technology, this paper summarizes and synthesizes past researches from 4 aspects： acupoint-specific effects, factors influencing the effects, different physiological responses, and predictive factors for acupuncture efficacy. It suggests that acupuncture treatment for FD involves central integration with disease-targeted (acupuncture treatment can target and regulate abnormal brain functional activity patterns in patients with FD), meridian-specific (stimulation of specific acupuncture points along the stomach meridian can significantly regulate abnormal brain functional activity patterns in FD patients), and dynamic conditional features(the effects of acupuncture treatment for FD are influenced by multiple factors). Lastly, considering the current research status, this paper outlines prospects in terms of research subjects, influencing factors, and result validation, aiming to provide references for future in-depth research.

Acupoint selection rules of acupuncture and moxibustion in treating neurogenic bladder based on data mining. / 基于数据挖掘技术分析针灸治疗神经源性膀胱的选穴规律.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the rules of acupoint selection in the treatment of neurogenic bladder (NB) with acupuncture and moxibustion by using data mining. METHODS: The clinical research literatures on acupuncture treatment of NB were collected from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang Database, VIP Database and China Biology Medicine from retrieved to January 1, 2023. The acupoint prescription database was established using Excel 2019. SPSS Modeler 18.0 and SPSS Statistics 26.0 softwares were used to conduct the frequency, meri-dians, locations, specific acupoints analysis and association rules analysis, factor analysis, cluster analysis, etc., to explore the characteristics and rules of acupoint selection in acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of NB. RESULTS: Totally 313 papers were included, including 110 acupoints with a total frequency of 1 995. The high-frequency acupoints are Zhongji (CV3), Guanyuan (CV4), Sanyinjiao (SP6), etc. The commonly used meridians are the Bladder Meridian of Foot Taiyang and Conception Vessel. The involved acupoints are mostly located in the lumbosacral region and abdomen, and intersection acupoints, mu-front acupoints and back-shu acupoints are the majority in the specific acupoints. The core acupoints group was analyzed, and 17 groups of association rules, 7 factors and 6 effective cluster groups were obtained. CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of NB follows the therapeutic principles of toni-fying the kidney, invigorating the spleen, and soothing the liver. The core acupoints group is CV3-CV4-SP6.

YIN Kejing's experience in treatment of cyclomastopathy by the accompanied needling at Tianchi (PC 1). / æ®·å ‹æ•¬å‚åˆºå¤©æ± ç©´æ²»ç–—ä¹³è ºå¢žç”Ÿç—‡ä¸´åºŠç»éªŒ.

The paper introduces professor YIN Kejing's clinical experience in treatment of cyclomastopathy. In pathogenesis, cyclomastopathy is relevant with dysfunction of the thoroughfare vessel and the conception vessel, the stagnation of blood and phlegm and the stagnation of liver qi. The principle of treatment prefers to unblocking the circulation of qi and blood and adjusting the balance between yin and yang. In diagnosis, the unique meridian palpation is adopted. Regarding the treatment of cyclomastopathy, the accompanied needling at Tianchi (PC 1) is recommended in combination with the external application of herbal medicines, presenting the specific characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine.

WU Zhongchao's experience in treatment of allergic rhinitis by acupuncture-moxibustion at "band-like function zone of back-shu points". / 吴中朝针灸背俞功能带治疗变应性鼻炎经验撷要.

The paper introduces professor WU Zhongchao's clinical experience in treatment of allergic rhinitis by acupuncture and moxibustion. Allergic rhinitis is closely associated with the dysfunction of lung, spleen and kidney. Based on the theory of "band-like function zone of back-shu points", the main acupoints related to the affected zangfu organs are selected to enhance the conductivity, regulate zangfu function and strengthen the antipathogenic qi specially; and the supplementary points are combined in terms of syndrome/pattern differentiation so that both symptoms and root causes of the disease can be treated simultaneously, the symptoms of allergic rhinitis be attenuated and the recurrence be prevented.

Exploration of the methods and rules of syndrome/pattern differentiation and treatment of headache from the acupuncture-moxibustion prescriptions of ancient literature based on the data mining technology. / 基于数据挖掘技术探析古代头痛针灸方的辨治方法与规律.

The study aims to identifying and exploring the methods and rules of the syndrome/pattern differentiation and treatment of headache through collating acupuncture-moxibustion prescriptions recorded earliest in ancient literature. Using Excel2016 software, the structural data table was prepared with "name of disease", "location of disease", "etiology and pathogenesis", "complicated symptoms", "sites for acupuncture and moxibustion" and "techniques of acupuncture and moxibustion" included. The normative approach was conduced on "name of disease", "etiology and pathogenesis", "complicated symptoms" and "nomenclature of acupoint". Using conventional literature statistical method, combined with Apriori algorithm of association rule, the implicit multi-dimensional correlation rules were explored among various elements of syndrome/pattern differentiation of headache and corresponding therapeutic methods. Based on the findings of the study, the regularity was distinct regarding the treatment at "distal acupoints along the affected meridian and the local acupoints at the affected area" after identifying the location of headache; the strong association was presented between "etiology and pathogenesis" and "acupoint selection", and between "etiology and pathogenesis" and "therapeutic methods", including 9 and 12 rules, respectively. Guanyuan (CV 4) selected in treatment of headache was associated with kidney deficiency, the combination of Zhongwan (CV 12) and Zusanli (ST 36) was with phlegm, Fengfu (GV 16), Fengchi (GB 20), Xinghui (GV 22) and Baihui (GV 20) was with wind, and Hegu (LI 4) was with cold. Moxibustion was dominant in treatment if headache was caused by pathogenic cold or related to deficiency syndrome; acupuncture was used specially for the case caused by phlegm, or interaction of wind and phlegm or wind and heat. For heat syndrome, either acupuncture or moxibustion was applicable, in general, acupuncture was more commonly used in comparison with moxibustion for headache. There were 6 association rules regarding the acupoint selection and the techniques of acupuncture and moxibustion. Moxibustion was generally applied to Xinghui (GV 22), Shangxing (GV 23) and Baihui (GV 20) ; and acupuncture was to Fengfu (GV 16), Hegu (LI 4) and Zusanli (ST 36). There were few association rules between the complicated symptoms and acupoint selection. Among nearly 100 complications, there were only 3 feature associations. Zhongwan (CV 12) was selected for the case with poor appetite, Chengjiang (CV 24) was with neck stiffness, and Fengchic (GB 20) combined with Fenglong (ST 40) or Jiexi (ST 41) was used if vertigo was present. In the ancient time, regarding the treatment of headache, acupuncture and moxibustion are delivered based on the three aspects, i.e. the location of illness, the etiology and pathogenesis, and the complicated symptoms. For acupoint selection, in line with the courses of affected meridians, the adjacent and distal acupoints are combined according to the location of headache. The acupoint prescription is composed in terms of the etiology and pathogenesis. The techniques of acupuncture and moxibustion are optimized in consideration of the sites where acupuncture and moxibustion are operated.

New interpretation of "Miu Ci". / "缪刺"新识.

Based on the record of Miu Ci theory from Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic), and incorporating the relevant discussions of medical scholars from various dynasties, this article interprets and analyzes the Miu Ci technique, the points to be needled, and the diseases can be treated. The following innovative understandings are proposed： 1) The original meaning of "Miu" in Miu Ci is "to prick in a different way from the meridians (needle the major collaterals)", not "needle left and right interchangeably". Needle left and right interchangeably is not a necessary operation in Miu Ci. 2) The stimulation sites of Miu Ci are the "four extremities" of the human body, referred to as the "major collaterals of qi", and the nail bed of the four extremities is not equivalent to the commonly reco-gnized "Jing-well points". 3) Miu Ci can treat critical illnesses, not just limited to musculoskeletal pain or mild conditions at the early stage of a disease. 4) Miu Ci is not equivalent to Luo Ci needling (pricking bloodletting therapy).